Television history is dotted with iconic shows that have not only captured the hearts of audiences but also raked in billions of dollars in revenue. From timeless classics to modern hits, these shows have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the highest-grossing TV shows in history:
1. ‘The Simpsons’:
- Created by Matt Groening, ‘The Simpsons’ holds the record as the longest-running American animated series, sitcom, and scripted primetime television series.
- With 35 seasons and 740 episodes, ‘The Simpsons’ has become a cultural phenomenon, touching on social and political issues with its trademark humor.
- The franchise has earned over $750 million from cable syndication and VOD sales, with ‘The Simpsons Movie’ grossing over $527 million. Merchandise sales have also contributed to its massive revenue stream.
2. ‘Friends’:
- Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, ‘Friends’ remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, even years after its conclusion.
- The show’s stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow, became the highest-paid actresses of their time, earning $1 million per episode in the final seasons.
- ‘Friends’ has generated an estimated $1.4 billion for its stars and creators since its debut in 1994, with Warner Bros. earning $4.8 billion in total revenue.
3. ‘Modern Family’:
- Created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, ‘Modern Family’ enjoyed 11 successful seasons as a beloved family sitcom.
- The show’s cast, including Sofia Vergara and Julie Bowen, saw significant salary increases over the years, with syndication rights selling for $1.8 million per episode.
- Streaming platforms like Hulu and NBCUniversal’s Peacock have also secured rights to the show, adding to its revenue stream.
4. ‘The Big Bang Theory’:
- Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, ‘The Big Bang Theory’ holds the title of the longest-running multi-camera comedy series in TV history.
- The show’s stars earned nearly $1 million per episode by the final seasons, with Warner Bros. earning $1 billion through syndication revenues.
- Merchandise sales and future syndication revenues continue to contribute to the show’s overall income.
5. ‘Cheers’:
- Created by Glenn and Les Charles and James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ was a costly production for Paramount but a valuable asset for NBC.
- The show generated significant ad revenue for NBC, earning $115 million annually, and remains profitable through syndication and royalties.
- Despite production costs, ‘Cheers’ continues to earn millions for its cast and creators through reruns.
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